Chichen Itza & Coba Day Trip with Cenote Swim & Pickup

Summary

Ancient ruins before crowds cenote swim lunch from Riviera Maya

You’ll start early with hotel pickup and beat the crowds at Coba’s quiet ruins, then explore Chichen Itza with a guide before wandering on your own. Cool off swimming in a cenote where sunlight cuts through stone, then share lunch over local flavors. End your day in Valladolid’s plaza—still thinking about all those moments long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to walk through Coba before everyone else shows up? We got there so early the air was still cool and the jungle felt half-asleep. Our guide, Javier, pointed out these old stones covered in moss and said something about five lakes nearby — I didn’t catch every word but you could just feel how important water was here. There were birds making this weird echoey call. I tried to imagine what it sounded like when the city was alive. Honestly, I’m not sure I managed it.

Chichen Itza came later — and yeah, it’s busy, but seeing El Castillo up close is different than in photos. Javier told us about the shadows during the equinox (I think he’s explained that a thousand times), but he still seemed excited about it. We had time to wander off on our own too. I ended up just sitting for a bit watching people try to pronounce “Kukulkan.” Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish — probably butchered it.

Lunch was this buffet thing — lots of little dishes, not fancy but good after walking all morning. The cenote stop after that… cold water, echoes bouncing off the stone walls, sunlight cutting down through an opening above. You have to wear a life vest (they check), which feels silly until you realize how deep it is. There’s a waterfall at one end and the sound sort of fills your head. Still think about that feeling sometimes.

We stopped in Valladolid for maybe half an hour at the end — just enough time to grab an ice cream and watch locals chatting outside the church. The whole day was long but didn’t drag somehow; maybe because each place felt different from the last. If you’re thinking about booking this Chichen Itza & Coba day trip from Cusco (wait — no, from Riviera Maya), just know you’ll come back tired but with way more stories than you expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Coba, Chichen Itza, Cenote, Valladolid

• Explore Coba ruins early morning
• Swim in underground cenote
• Guided tour of Chichen Itza
• Free time at Chichen Itza
• Enjoy buffet lunch
• Swim at Cenote Chichi Kan
• Panoramic visit to Valladolid

Top questions

How long does the Chichen Itza & Coba day trip take?

The full tour lasts most of the day, usually returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if selected when booking.

Do I need to pay extra fees at Chichen Itza or Coba?

Yes, archaeological site taxes ($45 USD) are not included and must be paid by credit card on arrival.

Is lunch included on this tour?

A buffet lunch is included if you select that option during booking.

Can I swim in the cenote on this trip?

Yes, admission to Cenote Chichi Kan is included and swimming is part of the experience.

Are there any age or fitness restrictions?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Is a life vest required for swimming in the cenote?

Yes, wearing a life vest is mandatory for safety reasons (not included in price).

Does this tour visit Valladolid?

Yes, there is a short panoramic visit to Valladolid at the end of the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation with hotel pickup if selected, entrance tickets for both Coba and Chichen Itza ruins, admission to Cenote Chichi Kan with time to swim (life vest rental required), plus a traditional Mexican buffet lunch if you choose that option—all guided by certified locals who keep things real along the way.